Los Angeles Mayoral Race: Raman Challenges Bass in November Runoff

Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman will compete against incumbent Karen Bass in the upcoming November election for the mayoral position in Los Angeles. CBS News announced the projections following Raman’s lead in the election results over the weekend, surpassing Spencer Pratt, a newcomer in politics. In California’s primary system, the two candidates with the most votes progress to the general election, independent of party affiliation. With 93% of the vote counted, Bass had 34.3%, and Raman had 28.5%. Previously, CBS News projected Bass as a candidate advancing to the general election on the election night.

Raman Surpasses Election Night Deficit

Initially, Pratt enjoyed a six-percentage-point lead over Raman. However, this gap narrowed with each update from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder. On Sunday, Raman overtook Pratt by less than a percentage point. Her lead further increased when another poll update showed her gaining over 33,000 votes, pushing her above Pratt’s 25.8%.

During the weekend, all three candidates commented on the race results. Pratt encouraged his social media audience to remain positive as thousands of votes awaited counting. Meanwhile, Bass’ campaign issued a statement criticizing Raman after she moved ahead of Pratt. The statement highlighted concerns about Raman’s alleged policies on encampments and law enforcement.

Raman’s campaign also released a statement early Monday, expressing gratitude for the support received from Angelenos and feeling optimistic about the latest vote tally. A UC Berkeley-LA Times poll conducted on May 28 showed Bass leading with 26%, Raman close behind with 25%, and Pratt at 22%. The poll reported a margin of error of around 3%.

Shifts in Voter Decisions

In the months before the primary, a UCLA Luskin School poll indicated that approximately 40% of likely voters were undecided. Poll director Zev Yaroslavsky described the election as open-ended. However, in a later UC Berkeley-LA Times poll, most undecided voters had chosen, reducing the undecided number to 10%.

The race attracted national attention due to impactful events in Los Angeles in 2025, starting with the destructive Palisades and Eaton Fires in January, followed by immigration enforcement raids and related protests.

Candidate Reactions to Runoff Projections

On Monday afternoon, Raman shared her reaction after projections showed her advancing to the November runoff. Raman expressed her honor and gratitude towards voters, acknowledging supporters who contributed to her campaign through various means. Raman emphasized their ongoing efforts to create a healthier, safer, and more affordable Los Angeles.

For too long, City Hall has prioritized giving political advantage to powerful interests that fund elections. Meanwhile, working people pay the price in higher rents, depleted services, and a city that has stopped working for them.

Raman’s statement criticized the current political landscape and invited people frustrated with the status quo to join her cause. Shortly after Raman’s projected advancement, Bass’ campaign also shared an updated statement.

The statement addressed Raman’s policies on encampments and police force adjustments, asserting that Mayor Bass anticipates winning the campaign against Raman.

Pratt did not immediately comment on Monday evening.

The Background of Nithya Raman

Nithya Raman, a Los Angeles City Council member and mayoral candidate, attended a “Families for Nithya” event to voice her stance against the political status quo. Formerly allied with Bass, Raman announced her unexpected mayoral candidacy in February. Her candidacy followed a previous endorsement of Bass’s reelection effort.

Raman claimed that Los Angeles no longer offers opportunity as it once did. She criticized Bass’s handling of the homeless crisis, highlighting difficulties in collaborating with her office. Raman’s views and actions regarding homelessness have faced scrutiny during her two terms, including her opposition to certain anti-encampment measures.

Addressing supporters on election night, Raman expressed pride in her campaign’s accomplishments, regardless of the race outcome. She emphasized their collaborative achievements and vowed to continue advocating for Los Angeles.

If unsuccessful in the mayoral election, Raman said this would be her last political campaign.

Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass

Mayor Karen Bass, who previously served over a decade in the U.S. House of Representatives, announced that this electoral race would be her final campaign for public office. Before her congressional role, Bass represented Los Angeles in the state Assembly and made history as the first Black woman to serve as Speaker of a state legislative body.

Bass remarked that this being her third office marks the end of her political career aspirations. She’s faced several leadership tests, including managing the city’s homelessness crisis, addressing labor strikes in Hollywood, and responding to immigration enforcement activities.

Despite the challenges, Bass celebrated her efforts in mitigating layoffs during budget crises and reducing homelessness in Los Angeles during her term. Supporters acknowledged these achievements after her advancement to the general election in November.

Reality TV Star Spencer Pratt

Spencer Pratt, known for his role in the reality show “The Hills,” ventured into politics as a candidate for LA’s mayoral position. Positioning himself in opposition to Bass, Pratt leveraged his social media presence to address the aftermath of the 2025 Palisades Fire.

Pratt’s campaign began months after witnessing the devastation from the fire, which destroyed his home. Expressing dissatisfaction with the city’s response, he criticized both local politicians and administrative efforts.

Trump showed interest in Pratt’s candidacy before Election Day, believing Pratt aligned with his political views. Pratt persistently challenged Bass’s homeless initiatives, criticizing her “Inside Safe” program.

On election night, Pratt voiced his confidence in prevailing over Bass. He welcomed the opportunity for more public debates and embraced the campaign competition.